Mountain View vs Palo Alto
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Palo Alto, CA?
Mountain View and Palo Alto have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Mountain View residents and businesses must separate recyclables and organics from trash under California AB 341, AB 1826, and SB 1383. Recology provides three-cart service for compliance.
View full Mountain View rules →Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
Palo Alto requires residents and businesses to separate recyclables and organics from trash under SB 1383, AB 341, and Chapter 5.20. GreenWaste collects mixed recyclables weekly in blue carts.
View full Palo Alto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Palo Alto |
|---|---|---|
| State mandates | AB 341, AB 1826, SB 1383 | - |
| Blue cart | Paper, metals, glass, rigid plastic | - |
| Green cart | Food scraps, yard trimmings | - |
| Not accepted | Plastic bags, foam, batteries, e-waste | - |
| Commercial | Required for 5+ unit buildings | - |
| Mandate | - | SB 1383 + AB 341 + AB 1826 |
| Recycling cart | - | Blue, weekly pickup |
| Organics cart | - | Green, weekly pickup |
| Plastics accepted | - | Rigid #1-#5 and #7 |
| Contamination | - | Fees for wrong items |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Can I put food scraps in the green cart?
Yes. Since SB 1383 took effect in 2022, all food waste including meat and dairy must go in the green organics cart along with yard trimmings.
Where do I recycle plastic bags?
Return clean plastic bags and film to grocery store drop-off bins. They jam sorting equipment if placed in the blue curbside cart.
Palo Alto FAQ
What goes in the blue recycling cart?
Paper, flattened cardboard, glass bottles and jars, metal cans, and rigid plastic containers marked #1 through #5 or #7. No bags, film, or food-soiled items.
Is food waste separation required?
Yes. California SB 1383 requires all Palo Alto residents and businesses to place food scraps and food-soiled paper in the green organics cart.
What if I put trash in the recycling cart?
Contamination can trigger warning notices or contamination fees, and repeatedly contaminated loads may be charged as garbage.
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